Directionally-mapped, keyed alpha-numeric data input/output system

ABSTRACT

A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, minuscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to keypad and keyboard systems for dataentry or device control and more particularly, to adirectionally-mapped, keyed alpha-numeric data input/output system.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] On the present day conventional telephone keypad, there are tennumbered keys, an asterisk key and a pound sign key. The letters of thealphabet are listed in groups of three on eight of the number keys.Entering numerals is performed by simply depressing the indicated keysin turn. However, for entering any given letter (alpha) a special seriesof key strokes is required, and this method is not generally accepted orunderstood by the public. In telecommunication applications such asvoice mail directory search or in a stock purchase using an electronicbroker, a unique interpretation of alpha data codes is often necessary.As a result, errors in alpha data entry, using the conventional keypad,are a common and frustrating occurrence. The above prompts frequentrequests for a simple, relatively error free method of alpha data andnumeric data entry.

[0005] There have been many devices invented and available which purportto solve the problem posed by alpha-numeric data entry in a conventionalkey array, but none have been accepted by the public or manufacturers todate. This has been expressed as being primarily because of theirdifficulty in use and/or manufacturing.

[0006] Keyboards for computers and control panels typically have manykeys, with some keys having two possible functions. The resultingkeyboard size is acceptable for desktop computers, but not for spaceconstrained computers such as laptops or various small, portable controlpanels. The current solution has been to make the keys very small insize and to require depressing several keys in correct sequence for agiven command entry. For a user having large fingers, a small keysurface and small separation between keys is unsatisfactory and inviteserror. Thus, key size and the number of keys needed, determine the sizeof the board or keypad.

[0007] For the manufacturers of remote controllers, calculators, games,mobile phones and similar electronic communication equipment, the spacerequired for adequate data entry with conventional keys presents acontinuing problem due to space limitations, and hinders desirableminiaturization of the device.

[0008] There exist many patents that address the alpha-numeric keypadproblem. However, none disclose a system for keypad/keyboard data entrythat provides for error-free data without complexity, or allows forpractical miniaturization of a keypad/keyboard while permitting anydesired number of distinct, single key data entries in a simple “handson” format.

[0009] In many of the prior art patents such as those of Hashimoto, U.S.Pat. No. 4,918,721 and Wen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,464, the alpha-numerickeypad data entry problem was solved, but the solution proved to be tooelaborate and cumbersome for general use. However, the use of keypadswith multi-directional keys is taught by a number of patents, and thisis an approach that promises a possibility of keyboard miniaturization.Among these patents is a disclosure by Lin et al in U.S. Pat. No.5,528,235. Lin et al disclose a multi-status data entry key and akeyboard that is capable of a one-to-one correspondence between each keystatus and a pre-assigned signal or state. This is done by using a keyhaving five facets and mounting it on a spring so that it can rock infour orthogonal directions and downwards. Thus each “key” acts as fivekeys; each facet direction push entering a different piece of data. Nodescription or claim is given by Lin et al for the system required toconvert and transmit this input data in usable form.

[0010] Unfortunately, the Lin et al invention and similar devices havenot succeeded in the industrial market for telephonic communication orremote controllers and similar equipment. The reasons given by industrysources for failure to adopt these invention devices, include thelikelihood of user finger tactile errors in data entry usingmulti-faceted keys such as described by Lin et al as well as anexpensive complexity in manufacturing the device, particularly the keys.In view of the foregoing, it is clear that there remains a need for asimple, relatively error-free alpha-numeric data entry system fortelecommunication equipment, as well as for space-constrained computers,miniaturized controllers and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention is a directionally-mapped, alpha-numeric data entrysystem comprising a key array, a micro-processor, a DTMF generator, anLCD driver and a display. The key array includes at least one set of “n”radial direction indicator keys and a numerical key group. Inscribed onthe surface surrounding each numerical key in “n” radial directions arealpha notations, symbols or commands. Pressing any radial direction keyand then a numerical key will enter the alpha notation or other symbolthat is located around the numerical key and corresponds to the pressedradial direction. Thus, if eight radial directional keys are used, atotal of eight different alpha entries plus one numeric can be enteredfor every key in the numerical key group without tactile problems orerrors. A specially programed micro-processor accepts the keyed inputsignals and provides digital signals to a DTMF generator for conversionto DTMF codes for telecommunication.

[0012] The micro-processor also provides ASCII codes for computer inputand signals to an LCD driver that drives the display. A complete systemincluding the key array, uses only a few components which are readilyavailable, is small in size, low cost and uses little power. Ittherefore would be readily adaptable and suitable for telecommunicationequipment or other common data entry/communication devices.

[0013] Accordingly, it is a prime object of this invention to provide asystem that enhances the functionality of a conventional numeric keypadwhile retaining simplicity in usage.

[0014] Another object is to provide an alpha-numeric data entry systemthat is economic to produce and practical to install.

[0015] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a data entrysystem that can be very small in size and lends itself to deviceminiaturization.

[0016] A prime advantage of this invention over prior art is that allthe invention components are standard, available and low cost.

[0017] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom studying the following portion of the specification, the claims andthe attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional prior art keypad as isused for telephones;

[0019]FIG. 2 shows the word “BROWN” and the keypad strokes needed toenter each letter when using a conventional prior art keypad;

[0020]FIG. 3 shows an example of a multi-symbol data entry key arrayaccording to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the alpha-numeric dataentry system according to the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 shows the word “BROWN” and the keypad strokes needed toenter each letter when using a data entry key array according to thepresent invention; and

[0023]FIG. 6 illustrates one of several alternative configurations forthe directional keys that are located on a data entry key arrayaccording to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1an illustration of a conventional keypad 1 such as is used ontelephones. Twenty-four letters of the alphabet, excluding “Q” and “Z”are shown in groupings of three on eight of the numerical keys. Refernow to FIG. 2 which shows a word “BROWN” to be keyed in. In order to dothis, using the conventional keypad 1, a number of key strokes have tobe entered for each letter, plus an extra key stroke when the word iscompleted. The key strokes corresponding to each letter of “BROWN” areshown under each letter. Thus to enter “B” 10, the “*” key is pressedonce to indicate alpha and the “2” key is pressed twice because “B” isthe second letter on numerical key “2”. Similarly, to enter “R” 15, the“*” key must be pressed followed by pressing the “7” key twice. At theend of the word, after the key strokes “*66” have been entered for theletter “N” 5, the “#” key 20 must be pressed to indicate the end of thealpha entry. There are sixteen separate key strokes that must be enteredin proper sequence in order to enter the word “BROWN” on a conventionalkeypad, and there could be as many as twenty-one key strokes for somefive letter words. Furthermore, there is no way of entering the letters“Q” or “Z”.

[0025] It is then, not surprising that this formidable and error-proneway of entering alpha data into telephones is not at all favored by thepublic.

[0026] It is with hope of providing a public and industry favored way ofalpha-numeric data entry, that the following preferred embodiment of adirectionally-mapped alpha-numeric data entry system is offered.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown in FIG. 3 anexample layout of a multi-symbol entry key array according to thepresent invention, and in FIG. 4, a simplified block diagram of theinvention system. The system comprises: a pre-programed micro-processor60, a set of radial direction indicator (RDI) keys 45 and keypad orarray keys 50 that provide data input signals to the micro-processor 60,a DTMF generator 65 which converts signals from the micro-processor intoDTMF codes 70 for telephonic use, an LCD (liquid crystal display) driver80 supplied by signals from the micro-processor 60 and a display 85driven by the LCD driver 80.

[0028] The micro-processor 60 is programed to process all enteredalpha-numeric data and to convert it to BCD code for transmission to aDTMF generator circuit, or to output ASCII codes 75 for computer use. Inaddition, provision is made for user selection of a verification mode ofdata entry whereby the user views the data entry on the display beforeagreeing to enter the data for processing.

[0029] Provision is also made for an alternative direction pointer 55such as the well known computer mouse, to be connected and used insteadof direction keys 45 on a keypad or array.

[0030] The micro-processor 60, DTMF generator 65 and LCD driver 80 areminute in size and use little input power. It is the key array thattakes the most space.

[0031] The key array shown in FIG. 3 is an example of an array forcombined controller/computer input. Radial direction indicator (RDI)keys are shown at the top of the array, on a large area membrane circuitsurface 25. The eight directions are indicated by inscribed arrows 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, which are touched when required. Thenumerical keys 35 of which twelve are shown are, in this case, the sameas conventional numerical keys.

[0032] Inscribed on areas 40 around each numerical key are eightdifferent notations, each indicating a letter, number, a command orother symbol for entry. To enter any one data item other than theconventional keypad numerals, it is only necessary to first touch theRDI arrow on the membrane 25, corresponding to the position of theinscribed data 40 around a numeral key 35. Thus, to enter a “B” onewould touch the UP arrow 27 and then press the “2” key . FIG. 5illustrates the key strokes needed to enter the word “BROWN”. The keystrokes 95, 96, 97, 98 and 99 are combinations of an RDI directional keystroke and a single numeric key stroke for a total of ten. The sequenceof the 2-stroke process can be reversed if desired. This is calledoperating in a “reverse” or “confirm” mode. An advantage of operating inthe “confirm” mode is to help an end-user to see the relative locationsof possible key or function selections in the display after the firstconventional key stroke. If followed by an RDI key, the associatedmapping alpha/function will be confirmed and entered. If followed by aconventional key instead, the normal numerical data input will beaccepted as regular numerical inputs.

[0033] For numerical data entries, the conventional single strokeprocess on the conventional keys remains unchanged.

[0034] In the array illustrated in FIG. 3, there are eight RDI directionkeys and eight possible data entries inscribed around each of the twelvenumerical keys. Therefore, in addition to the twelve numerical keysingle stroke entries, there are available 8×12=96 additional datadouble stroke data entries, for a total of 108.

[0035] It should be noted that there could be any convenient number ofkeys in an array and any number of RDI direction keys.

[0036] The maximum number of data items inscribed around a given keydepends primarily on the space provided around the key for printing thedata items intelligibly. In the example array shown in FIG. 3, there areeight data items. However, if two rings of data items were used, formingan inner and outer ring around a given key, there could be sixteen dataitems per key, plus the one single key item. An extra set of RDIdirection keys for the outer data ring could be used for thisconfiguration, or possibly a special “outer ring” key.

[0037]FIG. 6 shows one possible arrangement of RDI direction keys as analternative to that shown on FIG. 3. In this arrangement, the RDIdirection keys are individually located and are not on a singlemembrane. Any arrangement of RDI direction keys is permissible, and thispermits a location flexibility helpful in designing data entry keyarrays for miniaturized control panels or keypads.

[0038] The selection of the number of keys, data entry type and numberof entries, depends entirely on device application. For a standardtelephone entry pad, the number of keys could remain as twelvenumerical, with twenty-six alpha data items (A to Z) added. A practicalnumber of RDI direction keys for this array is three, so that therewould be three letters or less around ten numerical keys. This ensures asimple error-free alpha-numeric input to a telephone. For dialing,number entry is done conventionally. For alpha-numeric or just alphaentry, only an unambiguous two stroke entry is required. It is notnecessary to remember different codes or to figure out the number ofstrokes required, or whether an asterisk or pound sign input isrequired. This simple approach would be a great boon to telephone usersand would probably be welcomed by the telecommunications industry asbeing long overdue.

[0039] A major characteristic of the invention system is that the ratioof input data to keys is increased to at least 9:1. As a result, theapplication of the invention system to space constrained communicationdevices, is facilitated by an ability to design for a much smallernumber of keys than otherwise would be required. In particular, it isbelieved that the present invention system could be used to greatadvantage for space constrained devices such as remote controllers,electronic organizers, calculators, computers, games and various controlpanels.

[0040] There is also great flexibility in the type of keys that could beused. These keys could be any currently available types such asconductive, rubber or membrane circuitry.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the system electronic componentsare small in size, few in number, very low in power consumption andinexpensive in cost. For large manufacturing quantities, the entiresystem is very low cost.

[0042] From the foregoing description, it is believed that the preferredembodiment achieves the objects of the present invention. Variousmodifications and changes made be made in the system described abovewhich are apparent to those skilled in the art. These alternatives andmodifications are considered to be within the scope of the appendedclaims and are embraced thereby.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is:
 1. An alpha-numericdata input/out system comprising: (a) a key array, said array comprisinga multiplicity of radial direction indicator (RDI) keys and amultiplicity of data entry keys; said RDI keys each being marked with anarrow showing its radial direction, said data entry keys each beingmarked for a selected data item, and including a multiplicity ofalpha-numeric symbols inscribed at radial locations on the array surfaceimmediately surrounding each key, defining auxiliary data items, withthe number of said auxiliary data items per key being equal to or lessthan the number of said RDI keys; said RDI keys when any selected RDIkey is depressed, acting together with any data entry key to enter theauxiliary data item which is associated with said data key and locatedin the corresponding radial direction marked on said selected RDI key;(b) a micro-processor connected to said key array, said micro-processorbeing programed to interpret all specific data items marked on said dataentry keys and all said auxiliary data items marked on said key array,and to convert all said data items to BCD code for transmission to aDTMF generator circuit, said micro-processor also generatingalpha-numeric signals corresponding to data entries, for transmission toan LCD driver circuit; (c) a DTMF generator circuit connected to saidmicro-processor for receiving BCD signals from said micro-processor andgenerating DTMF code tones for telephonic transmission; (d) a liquidcrystal display (LCD) driver circuit connected to an output terminal ofsaid micro-processor; and (e) a liquid crystal display for displayingalpha-numeric data entries as they are made.
 2. The system according toclaim 1 wherein: said micro-processor is programed to generate ASCIIcode signals corresponding to data entries, for transmission to an ASCIIcode signal input device.
 3. The system according to claim 1 wherein:said micro-processor is programed to accept entry of said auxiliaryitems in a confirm mode of operation, said confirm mode, permittingdisplay of all auxiliary data items surrounding a selected data entrykey, for user review and selection before any selected auxiliary dataitem is entered and processed.
 4. The key array according to claim 1wherein: said key array includes provision for connection of analternative radial direction indicator device that disables said RDIkeys and performs the same function as said RDI keys.
 5. The key arrayaccording to claim 1 wherein: said RDI keys may all be included on asingle membrane circuit surface or be separate keys, arranged in anylocation on the surface of said key array.
 6. An alpha-numeric datainput/out system for telephones, comprising: (a) a key array, said arraycomprising three radial direction indicator (RDI) keys and twelve dataentry keys; said RDI keys each being marked with an arrow showing itsradial direction, said RDI keys being located on a large area membranecircuit element; said data entry keys, each being marked for a directnumeric (“1” thru“9” and“0”) or symbolic data entry, and ten of saiddata entry keys having three or less alpha symbols inscribed at radiallocations on the array surface immediately surrounding each key,defining twenty-six alpha data items (“A” thru “Z”); said RDI keys whenany selected RDI key is depressed, acting together with any data entrykey to enter the alpha data item which is associated with said dataentry key and located in the corresponding radial direction marked onsaid selected RDI key; (b) a micro-processor connected to said keyarray, said micro-processor being programed to interpret all enteredalpha-numeric items marked on said key array, and to convert all saiddata items to BCD code for transmission to a DTMF generator circuit,said micro-processor also generating alpha-numeric signals correspondingto data entries, for transmission to an LCD driver circuit; (c) a DTMFgenerator circuit connected to said micro-processor for receiving BCDsignals from said micro-processor and generating DTMF code tones fortelephonic transmission; (d) a liquid crystal display (LCD) drivercircuit connected to an output terminal of said micro-processor; and (e)a liquid crystal display for displaying alpha-numeric data entries asthey are made.
 7. The key array according to claim 6 wherein: said RDIkeys are separately mounted and connected keys and are arranged, spacedapart, in any suitable location on the surface of said key array.
 8. Thesystem according to claim 6 wherein: said micro-processor is programedto accept entry of said alpha data items in a confirm mode of operation,said confirm mode, permitting display of all alpha data itemssurrounding a selected data entry key, for user review and selectionbefore any said alpha data item is entered and processed.